Retard feeder

Abstract

An apparatus which advances and separates sheets from a stack of sheets. The apparatus includes an operator pivotable frame having a nudger roll and a feed roll mounted thereon. In operation, the feed roll engages a retard roll. The retard roll is coupled through a gear to a slip clutch. In the event a single sheet is advanced by the nudger roll to the nip defined by the feed roll and retard roll, the frictional force between the sheet and retard roll is sufficient to overcome the torque applied on the retard roll by the slip clutch and the retard roll rotates in one direction permitting the sheet to pass through the nip. Alternatively, in the event multiple sheets are being advanced by the nudger roll into the nip, the frictional force is reduced and the retard roll rotates in the opposite direction under the torque applied thereon by the slip clutch driving the sheets back toward the stack from which they originally advanced. In the event a jam occurs, the frame supporting the nudger roll and feed roll may be pivoted by the operator to an inoperative position separating the feed roll from the retard roll permitting easy access for removal of jammed sheets.